Trial Attorney (Detail to Office of Immigration Litigation)

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠This is a reimbursable detail opportunity with the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL), National Security and Enforcement for up to (3) three years. The detail may begin as early as August 1, 2026, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent position without further competition.
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.

OR

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. The Office of Immigration Litigation, Denaturalization Unit ("DU") is seeking attorneys to litigate civil denaturalization actions. Trial Attorneys will be expected to maintain active dockets of affirmative, denaturalization cases, involving coordination with law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, motions practice, discovery, and trial and appellate practice. Trial Attorneys handle matters in federal district and appellate courts nationwide involving revocation of naturalization that was unlawfully obtained. Many cases involve issues of first impression involving constitutional rights, statutory interpretation, and federal authority over immigration matters. Trial attorneys represent the United States in coordination with multiple federal law enforcement and immigration agencies in cases involving terrorists, violent criminals, child sex abusers and other sex offenders, fraudsters, human rights violators, and war criminals.

Complex, high-profile cases relating to the Federal Government's interpretation, administration, and enforcement of immigration law are a significant part of the office's caseload. Certain denaturalization cases may require significant foreign discovery. Successful applicants will enjoy a varied, challenging, and high-visibility practice with the potential for significant professional growth, and the rare opportunity to litigate in front of both federal district courts and courts of appeals nationwide. A team-centered approach to litigation provides an exceptionally collegial atmosphere with the opportunity for substantial individual responsibility.
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Applicants should also have excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills. Experience conducting investigations, drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking and defending depositions, and trying cases are highly desirable. Preferred applicants will be highly motivated and exhibit sound judgment and creativity. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with constitutional challenges and the enforcement of federal laws are strongly preferred.